Seven Little Known Secrets To Saving a Bundle On Diabetic Supplies

Treating diabetes is costly. In fact, many people with the disease go without treatment with unfortunate results simply because they can't afford to pay for the treatments. It's wise to look for ways to reduce the costs of treating this disease because it's life-threatening. This article offers some ways to find affordable diabetic supplies.

Some of the supplies you may need:

1. Blood glucose meter
2. Testing strips
3. Lancets
4. Log book
5. Medications
6. Insulin (in some cases)
7. Syringes (for insulin)
8. Insulin pen
9. Insulin pump

Seven Ways to Save on Diabetic Supplies

1. Generics. Some medications are available now in generic forms. You doctor should be your guide for which ones are acceptable. However, you may be able to purchase generic medications and medical supplies for as little $3 or $4 a month. Some insurers provide them free of charge.

2. Medicare. Medicare Part B pays 20% of Medicare-approved charges for a doctor's visit, but tests are covered. Medicare covers 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the yearly Part B deductible for monitors, strips, lancets, and, in some cases, therapeutic diabetic shoes. They may also cover diabetic socks. Part D covers some of the supplies needed for administration of insulin. Part B covers an insulin pump at 20% of Medicare-approved amount.

3. Medicaid. Medicaid usually covers diabetes supplies and medications. Check what your state will cover. You may need to make a co-payment.

4. Samples. Manufacturers often offer free diabetic products. Ask your doctor. Also, if you attend conferences such as the American Diabetes Association Expo, samples are usually available for the taking.

5. Compare Providers. If a blood glucose meter is given away free, be sure to compare the cost of strips and lancets. The meter may end up not being such a good bargain. Remember that generics may cost less. You need to run tests if you choose to use generics to be sure they're reliable.

6. Chains. Home Diagnostics pairs with retailers like CVS and Walgreens to offer a less-expensive product line. Check out the discount chains on your own for better prices. You might talk to a Wal-Mart pharmacist, for example.

7. Online Companies. The competition is ferocious for diabetic supplies online, so this is where the greatest bargains may be. Don't order from a company that doesn't have a real street address. Find out whether the company has a pharmacist. A bargain may not be a bargain once cost of shipping is added in. Make certain that insulin is kept cold during shipping. Don't order if there isn't a money-back guarantee. Stricter regulations apply in the U.S., so buy from a domestic supplier. Ask your doctor about any company you decide to try.

Remember that it's vital that you monitor your blood sugar levels and take your prescribed medication, no matter the cost. If you can't afford it, there are ways to get help.

How To Survive Diabetes

If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, then you need to begin thinking of survival. This is not only a life-threatening disease, it can also blind you, reduce circulation, and cause your limbs to be have to be amputated. Hardening and narrowing of the arteries is a result of uncontrolled diabetes. Strokes and coronary heart disease are common among diabetics. Approximately 17 million Americans are diabetics.

The first thing you need to do is find yourself a good internal medicine physician in general practice. You will not survive if you try to treat yourself. This physician can tell you in quite exact terms what your condition is and work out a treatment and diabetic diet plan, not one that will cure your disease, but one that will control it and keep you alive with the least possible damage to your system.

This disease requires a lot of self-management, and that means that you need to educate yourself and take charge. No one else can make the changes in lifestyle that will determine whether you will come down with all or any of the adverse effects. Only you can do that. Those changes include daily monitoring of your blood-sugar levels with a meter, lancets, and diabetic testing strips. You will also need to keep a log of your readings.

The second change will be dietary in nature. It's probably true that if you have diabetes, your diet is not keeping you in very good shape. This will be one of the hardest changes to make, but is also the key to surviving diabetes. You need to read a lot about the relationship between diet and blood sugar. The American Diabetes Association is your friend now. Become an expert on carbohydrates, types of sugars, the role of protein in a healthy diabetic diet, and learn how dairy products can be your friend and play a useful role in your new life plan.

Where you obtain your diabetic supplies and your medications must be decided by you. You'll find a lot of companies offering free meters, but look at the whole picture. That company will also require that you buy your lancets and strips, and they may be much more expensive than with other sources. Talk to your doctor and to other diabetics for guidance and advice in these matters.

Your life is going to change, so you might as well accept it. You must now get more involved than you've ever been in your health care if you want to survive.